1. Munich: Prinz Myshkin
Munich is famous for its weisswurst, and many travelers don't know that the city is also home to many wonderful vegetarian restaurants, among them the fabulous Prinz Myshkin close to Marienplatz. White washed walls, high ceilings, and windows from floor to ceiling give this light-filled restaurant a sophisticated vibe. The extensive menu draws inspiration from Italy, India and Far East; you can choose between antipasti, sushi, and samosas. Among the Myshkin classics, you’ll find fried soy medallions with carrots and cauliflower, topped with an oyster mushroom sauce and a side of spaetzle arugula; or the vegan dish Involtini teriyaki with tofu, mushrooms and roasted nuts rolled up in chard leaves and drizzled with teriyaki sauce. Desserts range from the fancy (2 things chocolate mousse with pickled banana in passion fruit caramel) to the traditional (Viennese apple strudel). Reservations recommended.
Hackenstr. 2, 80331 Munich
2. Berlin: Cookies Cream
One of Berlin’s hippest restaurants happens to be vegetarian; it is a bit hard to find, but that’s part of the experience (follow a back alleyway of the Westin Hotel and look for a door bell); the ueber-cool, industrial-looking Cookies Cream offers an inventive menu that changes with the season and celebrates regional ingredients; it may include dishes like carrot mouse with pumpernickel crumble; pearl barley strudel with morels, parsley root, and wild herbs, and for dessert, there's a crunchy rhubarb tartelette with pistachio and yoghurt ice cream. You can order a la carte or get a 3-course menu for a reasonable 36 Euros.
Behrenstr. 55, 10117 Berlin
3. Dresden: BrennNessel
Set in a 350-year old timber framed house, the BrennNessel restaurant is one of the most popular veggie spots in Dresden. Although you might find a couple of meat dishes on the menu, the majority of the food here is vegetarian and you can also ask for a vegan menu. True to its name, the restaurant also offers some dishes with “Brennnessel” – try the nettle-potatoes gratin with cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds and feta cheese, or opt for the nettle-rhubarb soup. In summer, you can sit in a leafy courtyard beer garden and enjoy a refreshing white grape juice or an elderberry spritzer.
Schützengasse 18, 01067 Dresden
4. Hamburg: Season
Season, with two locations in the center of Hamburg, is a casual, friendly restaurant that offers an extensive buffet of salads, casseroles, sandwiches, soups, desserts, and freshly squeezed juices. Instead of artificial flavors or preservatives, you’ll find local ingredients and carefully labeled dishes (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc). Prices are very budget-friendly, from 3,50 Euros for a soup to 12 Euros for all you can eat.
Rathausmarkt 2, 20095 Hamburg and Schauenburger Str. 49, 20095 Hamburg
5. Hannover: Hiller
Hannover is home to Germany’s oldest vegetarian restaurant; opened in 1955 in the center of the city, Hiller is now a completely vegan restaurant and offers dishes from a weekly changing menu. The fare is straightforward and includes vegetable curries, pasta, salads, and soups. Their 3 course menus are a great deal, ranging between 8 Euros (for lunch) and 15 Euros (for dinner).
Blumenstr. 3, 30159 Hannover
